Week 1 Dan Rooney Award

[wig]

So I was thinking that the Steelers would be particularly fired up this season with the passing of Dan Rooney (head bowed for a moment...) And I admit I was a bit saddened with the somewhat lackluster performance on week 1.

However there were a few guys who made put in some tremendous effort and helped get the team over the hump to win the game. So, I introduce the "Dan Rooney Weekly Award" for the player who most helps to put the team over the top for a given week.

The criteria... The team must win, and the player must somehow perform above and beyond to help secure that win in either a tangible or even an intangible way.

This week, I have selected Tyler Matakevich for his block on the punt which scored the first points of the season, gave the Steelers the lead and ultimately were enough to make the difference.

It is true that Antonio Brown had a HUGE day and almost single handed (along with his QB) carried the offense up and down the field. And Jesse James managed to snag 2 touchdowns, neither of which were simple "gimmes". And of course TJ Watts (not Watson) had a tremendous game as well has Jason Hargrave and Coaches boy Chickillo or however you spell it. But the first points of the season were made possible through a great effort by Matakevich and they were scored by the special teamers who more often than not are on the "boo-hiss" end of the spectrum so I can't help but imagine that Dan was sitting next to Art Sr. in the big owner's box in the sky and rather enjoying that play. I'm quite sure he rather likes the underdog players.

So there you have it. Congratulations Tyler. Dan Rooney Player of the Week 1.

 

[slashsteel]

I object your honor.

182 yards receiving, turned the momentum into the Steelers favor and sealed the outcome of the game . With the clowns Stephen King- IT, inching out of the sewer, it was Antonio Brown who was the difference maker of the game. Not just with one play, but a myriad of plays. With the desired outcome. A big fat W.

The defense


rests.

 

[coupon]

I object your honor.

182 yards receiving, turned the momentum into the Steelers favor and sealed the outcome of the game . With the clowns Stephen King- IT, inching out of the sewer, it was Antonio Brown who was the difference maker of the game. Not just with one play, but a myriad of plays. With the desired outcome. A big fat W.

The defense


rests.

I don't think you get a vote


Sent from my iPhone using Steeler Nation mobile app

 

[wig]

I mentioned that Antonio had a huge game. Clearly he's the best receiver in the game. He also has amazing chemistry with one of the top 3 or 4 QBs in the game right now. That's a 2 man operation there. Brown is also somewhat a victim of his own success here. Frankly we truly expect him to dominate. He's a complete stud and we KNOW what he can do game in and game out.

I'm not minimizing his impact at all, but the fact is, everything else aside, without the blocked punt and resulting TD points, the Steelers don't win by 3. Furthermore it was the FIRST points of the season and the block was by one of those under-rated players. This award is for the guy who does something to emotionally lift the team and propel them to victory through an astounding play. Admittedly, Browns late catch that helped seal the win deserved consideration, but I went with Matakevich. I stand by my decision as that's the kind of play that gets in to an opponent's head and (particularly a team like the Browns) and simply starts eating away at their confidence.

 

[Stryker]

Love it! Antonio get get AFC offensive player of the week, Watt can get AFC Defensive player of the week, and Joe Hayden can get the game ball. I'm 100% fine with Big Red getting the Rooney.

Chick had a strong chance as well. 2 sacks and the first TD of the year, but I can't argue with the reasoning. If Big Red stuffs that hole on the goal line, he'd be a legend.